The Swedish Festival In Illinois That’s Full Of Authentic Delights
By Megan Shute|Published March 12, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Across America, and in particular, Illinois, you will find countless incredible festivals in the spring and summer months celebrating everything from a city’s favorite food to cultural heritage. Illinois’ festivals are obviously our favorite, and while we love all of these incredible celebrations, today, we’re sharing with you a one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates all things Swedish. Mark your calendar, because this heritage festival features authentic delights you won’t want to miss.
Held every summer since 1949, the Swedish Days Festival is the largest festival in Geneva, Illinois and keeps getting better as the years go by. Celebrating 70 years, this fantastic festival provides fun for the entire family, and begins June 18, 2019, and runs through June 23.
Settled in the 1830s, Geneva was noted for its flux of Swedish immigrants, who compromised nearly half the population by 1900s. Today, the town is home to less than 22,000 residents, but still holds onto its Swedish roots, particularly through the annual Swedish Days Festival. Everywhere you look during this fantastic festival, you will find Swedish flags, authentic attire, and more.
Located in downtown Geneva, just blocks from the train station, this epic festival features a host of family-friendly activities, including mouthwateringly delicious multi-ethnic food, a Grand Parade, plenty of Kids’ Day fun, and so much more.
...as well as incredible live music entertainment, including performances from local bands and the always-adorable Swedish American Children’s Choir (pictured below).
The highlight of this multi-day festival is the impressive Swedish Vast, a massive tent where you will find some delicious eats, handmade Swedish gifts and decor as well as a variety of Swedish demonstrations and performances from storytellers, clog dancers, and Viking living historians.
Whether you're looking to get in touch with your Swedish roots or want to experience an entirely new culture, you'll want to mark your calendar for June 18-23, 2019, for the Annual Swedish Days Festival!
To learn more about the annual Swedish Days Festival, including the schedule of events, click here. Tell us, do you plan on attending the Swedish Days Festival June 18th through 23 in Geneva, Illinois? If you’ve been in the past, share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments below. Then, read all about the “10 Underrated Illinois Towns That Deserve A Second Look.”
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